Woman, who died after giving birth in lodge, had filed rape complaint against auto driver two years ago 

THRISSUR: More information has emerged in connection with the death of a woman and her newborn in a lodge, where she had given birth. The auto driver of Pavaratty taken into custody by the East police and Jyothi (32) of Edamuttam, the woman dead, had been acquainted for a long time. The employees of the lodge told police that the two used to frequently check in together. Jyothi had filed a rape complaint against the same auto driver two years ago.

Police said the auto driver dropped Jyothi in the lodge a few days ago. He returned to the lodge on Tuesday claiming that she was not responding to his phone calls. When he tried to open the room, it was found locked from inside. He then alerted the lodge staff, who informed the police and the fire and rescue services. They broke open the door and entered the room. The employees of the lodge said they were unaware of her pregnancy. Jyothi was a divorcee. Police said the families of both the auto driver and the dead would be questioned.

The couple had checked into room No 108 on the first floor of the lodge on June 27. Jyothi may have died during childbirth. The bodies of the two were found on the bed.

A team led by city assistant commissioner of police M Sasidharan conducted a detailed inspection at the lodge on Tuesday, and it continued late into the night. The bodies are presently in the mortuary of the medical college. Post-mortem will be conducted today, police said.